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India's heritage is not just a history. India's heritage is also a science: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | July 21, 2024 | 19:45 IST
India is committed to promoting global cooperation and engaging local communities towards heritage conservation efforts
“India is so ancient that every point of the present here tells the story of some glorious past”
“Return of ancient heritage artifacts is a display of global generosity and respect for history”
“Maidam, first entry in the UNESCO World Heritage list from Northeast are special due their uniqueness”
“India's heritage is not just a history. India's heritage is also a science”
“The history of India and Indian civilization are much older and broader than the common understanding of history”
“It is India’s clarion call to the world to come together to promote each others’ heritage and amplify the spirit of human welfare”
“India's vision is - development as well as heritage- Vikas bhi Virasat bhi”

My colleague in the Union Cabinet, S. Jaishankar ji and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay ji, other members of the cabinet Rao Inderjit Singh ji and Suresh Gopi ji, Chairman of the World Heritage Committee Vishal Sharma ji, and all other dignitaries, ladies, and gentlemen,

Today, Bharat is celebrating the holy festival of Guru Purnima. First of all, I extend my greetings to all of you and all the countrymen on this festival of knowledge and spirituality. The 46th meeting of the World Heritage Committee is starting on such an important day. This event is being held in Bharat for the first time, and naturally, this brings special joy to all countrymen, including myself. I welcome all dignitaries and guests who have come from all over the world on this occasion. Especially, I extend my greetings to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. I am confident that this event in Bharat will also set new records of success like every global event.

Friends,

I was just looking at the exhibition of ancient heritage brought back from abroad. In the past few years, we have brought back more than 350 ancient heritages of Bharat. The return of ancient heritage shows global generosity and respect for history. The Immersive Exhibition here is also a wonderful experience in itself. As technology evolves, immense possibilities for research and tourism are emerging in this field.

Friends,

The program of the World Heritage Committee is associated with a proud achievement for Bharat. I have been informed that the historical ‘Maidam’ of our North East India is proposed to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This will be Bharat’s 43rd World Heritage Site and the first heritage from North East India to receive the status of Cultural World Heritage. Maidam is very special due to its unique characteristics. I am confident that its popularity and global attraction will increase after it is included in the World Heritage List.

Friends,

The experts who have come from all corners of the world for today’s event reflect the richness of this summit. This event is taking place on the soil of Bharat, which is one of the world’s oldest living civilizations. We have seen different centres of heritage in the world. But Bharat is so ancient that every point of the present here tells the tale of a glorious past. Take the example of Delhi... the world knows Delhi as the capital city of Bharat. But, this city is also a centre of thousands of years old heritage. You will find historical heritage at every step here. There is an iron pillar weighing several tons just 15 kilometres from here. This is a pillar that has been standing in the open for 2,000 years and is still rust-resistant. This shows how advanced Bharat’s metallurgy was at that time. It is clear that Bharat’s heritage is not just history. Bharat’s heritage is also a science.

Friends,

Bharat’s heritage also showcases a glorious journey of top-notch engineering. Just a few hundred kilometres from Delhi is the Kedarnath temple at an altitude of 3,500 meters. Even today, that place is geographically so remote that people have to walk several kilometres or go by helicopter. It is still very challenging for any construction today... most of the year, it is impossible to work there due to snow. But, you will be surprised to know that such a big temple in Kedarnath valley was constructed in the 8th century. Its engineering took into account the harsh environment and glaciers. Moreover, no mortar has been used in the temple. But, the temple stands firm till today. Similarly, there is also the example of the Brihadeeswarar Temple built by Raja Chola in the south. The architectural layout of the temple, its horizontal and vertical dimensions, its sculptures … every part of the temple seems astonishing.

Friends,

Gujarat, the state I come from, has places like Dholavira and Lothal. The urban planning in Dholavira from 3000 to 1500 BCE... the kind of water management system and arrangements... they amaze experts even in the 21st century. The planning of the fort and lower town in Lothal... the arrangement of streets and drains... this tells the modern level of that ancient civilization.

Friends,

Bharat’s history and civilization are much more ancient and extensive than ordinary historical knowledge. As new facts are coming to light... as scientific verification of history is happening... we need to develop new perspectives to view the past. World experts present here must know about the evidence found in Sinauli, Uttar Pradesh. The findings of Sinauli belong to the Copper Age. But, they match the Vedic civilization rather than the Indus Valley Civilization. In 2018, a 4,000-year-old chariot was found there, which was horse-driven. These researches, these new facts tell us that a new thinking free from preconceived notions is needed to understand Bharat. I urge all of you to be part of this new understanding of history in the light of new facts, and to take it forward.

Friends,

Heritage is not just history, but a shared consciousness of humanity. Whenever we see any heritage anywhere in the world, our minds rise above the current geo-political factors. We have to use this potential of heritage for the betterment of the world. We have to connect hearts through our heritage. And today, through the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting, Bharat calls out to the entire world... Let us all join together to advance each other’s heritage... Let us all join together to expand the spirit of human welfare! Let us all join together to promote tourism while preserving our heritage, and to create more and more employment opportunities.

Friends,

The world has seen a time when heritage was ignored in the race for development. But today's era is much more aware. Bharat’s vision is – ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (development as well as heritage)! In the last 10 years, Bharat has touched new dimensions of modern development, while also taking a pledge of ‘Virasat Par Garv’ (pride in heritage). We have taken unprecedented steps for the conservation of heritage. Be it the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, or the construction of a modern campus of the ancient Nalanda University, many such works are happening across the country. Bharat’s resolve towards heritage is connected with the spirit of serving humanity. The culture of Bharat speaks of 'Vayam' (we) rather than 'Swayam' (self). The spirit of Bharat is - Not Me, Rather Us! With this mindset, Bharat has always tried to be a partner in the welfare of the world.

Friends,

Today, the whole world celebrates International Yoga Day. Today, the world is benefiting from Ayurveda science. This yoga and Ayurveda are scientific heritages of Bharat. Last year, we also hosted the G-20 summit. The theme of this summit was - 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. Where did we get this inspiration from? We got this inspiration from the idea of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The World is One Family). Bharat is promoting millets to address challenges like food and water crises... our thought is - 'Mata Bhumih: Putroham Prithivya' which means, this earth is our mother, we are her children. With this thought, Bharat is giving solutions like the International Solar Alliance and Mission LiFE today.

Friends,

Bharat also considers it its responsibility to protect global heritage. Therefore, we are not only conserving Indian heritage but also cooperating for heritage conservation in Global South countries. Bharat is assisting in the conservation of many heritages, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Cham Temples in Vietnam, and stupas in Bagan, Myanmar. In this direction, I am making another important announcement today. Bharat will contribute 1 million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This grant will be used for capacity building, technical assistance, and conservation of world heritage sites, especially benefiting Global South countries. A certificate program in World Heritage Management for young professionals has also started in Bharat. I believe the cultural and creative industry will become a major factor in global growth.

Friends,

In the end, I would like to make one more request to all the guests who have come from abroad... Do explore Bharat. We have also started a tour series for iconic heritage sites for your convenience. I believe this experience will make your visit memorable. Once again, best wishes to all of you for the World Heritage Committee Meeting. Thank you very much, Namaste.

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My greetings to all young friends!

The beginning of the year 2026 is marking the start of new joys in your lives. Along with this, as Vasant Panchami passed just yesterday, a new spring is beginning in your lives as well. This time is also connecting you with your duties towards the Constitution. Coincidentally, the grand festival of the Republic is currently underway in the country. Yesterday, on January 23rd, we celebrated Parakram Diwas on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash, and now tomorrow, January 25th, is National Voters' Day, followed by Republic Day on January 26th. Today is also a special day. It was on this very day that our Constitution adopted ‘Jana Gana Mana’ as the National Anthem and ‘Vande Mataram’ as the National Song. On this significant day today, more than sixty-one thousand youngsters are making a new beginning in life.

Today, you all are receiving appointment letters for government services; in a way, this is an Invitation Letter for Nation Building. This is a resolution letter to give momentum to the construction of a Developed India. Many among you will strengthen the security of the country, many will further empower our education and healthcare ecosystem, many friends will strengthen financial services and energy security, while many youth will play an important role in the growth of our government companies. I give many congratulations and best wishes to all of you youth.

​Friends,

​Connecting youth with skills and providing them opportunities for employment and self-employment has been the priority of our government. To ensure that government recruitment is also done in mission mode, the Rozgar Mela was started. In the past years, the Rozgar Mela has become an institution. Through this, lakhs of youth have received appointment letters in different departments of the government. Extending this mission further, today this Rozgar Mela is being held at more than forty locations in the country. I especially welcome the youth present at all these locations.

​Friends,

​Today, India is one of the youngest countries in the world. It is the continuous effort of our government that new opportunities are created for India’s youth power within the country and across the world. Today, the Government of India is signing trade and mobility agreements with many countries. These trade agreements are bringing numerous new opportunities for the youth of India.

​Friends,

​In the past time, India has made unprecedented investments for modern infrastructure. Because of this, employment has increased significantly in every sector related to construction. The scope of India’s start-up ecosystem is also advancing at a fast pace. Today, there are about two lakh registered start-ups in the country. More than twenty-one lakh youth are working in these. Similarly, Digital India has expanded a new economy. In many fields such as animation and digital media, India is becoming a global hub. India’s creator economy is growing at a very fast pace, and in this too, youth are getting new opportunities.

​My young friends,

​The way the world’s trust in India is increasing today is also creating many new possibilities for the youth. India is the only large economy in the world that has doubled its GDP in a decade. Today, more than a hundred countries are investing in India through FDI. Compared to the ten years before 2014, more than two and a half times the FDI has come into India. More foreign investment means countless opportunities for employment for the youth of India.

​Friends,

​Today, India is becoming a big manufacturing power. In many sectors such as electronics, medicines and vaccines, defense, and auto, there is an unprecedented increase in both India’s production and exports. Since 2014, there has been a six-fold increase in India’s electronics manufacturing, six-fold. Today, this is an industry of more than 11 lakh crore rupees. Our electronics export has also crossed four lakh crore rupees. India’s auto industry has also become one of the fastest-growing sectors. In the year 2025, the sale of two-wheelers has reached beyond two crores. This shows that the purchasing power of the people of the country has increased; they have received many benefits from the reduction in Income Tax and GST; there are many such examples which indicate that employment is being created in large numbers in the country.

​Friends,

​In today's event, more than 8 thousand daughters have also received appointment letters. In the past 11 years, there has been nearly a two-fold increase in women's participation in the country's workforce. Our daughters have benefited greatly from the government's schemes like Mudra and Start-up India. There has been an increase of about 15 percent in the rate of women's self-employment. If I talk about start-ups and MSMEs, today there is a very large number of women directors and women founders. In our cooperative sector, and the self-help groups working in villages, women are leading in very large numbers.

​Friends,

​Today the country has set out on the Reform Express. Its objective is to make both life and business easy in the country. Everyone has benefited from the next-generation reforms in GST. Through this, our young entrepreneurs are benefiting, and our MSMEs are benefiting. Recently, the country has implemented historic labor reforms. Through this, laborers, employees, and businesses will all benefit. The new labor codes have further strengthened the scope of social security for laborers and employees.

​Friends,

​Today, when the Reform Express is being discussed everywhere, I want to assign a task to you as well regarding this subject. Recall, in the last five-seven years, when and in what form have you had contact with the government? Whether you had work in some government office, or interacted through some other medium and you faced trouble, felt some deficiency, or felt some irritation - just remember such things. Now you have to decide that those things which troubled you, sometimes troubled your parents, sometimes troubled your friends, and what used to pinch you, feel bad, or make you angry - now you will not let those difficulties happen to other citizens during your own tenure. Being a part of the government, you too will have to carry out small reforms at your level. You have to move forward with this approach so that the maximum number of people are benefited.

The work of strengthening Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business happens as much through policy as it does through the intention of the government employee working at the local level. You must remember one more thing. In this era of rapidly changing technology, the needs and priorities of the country are also changing rapidly. You also have to keep upgrading yourself along with this fast change. You must definitely make good use of platforms like iGOT Karmayogi. I am happy that in such a short time, about one and a half crore government employees are training and empowering themselves anew by joining this iGOT platform.

​Friends,

​Whether it is the Prime Minister or a small servant of the government, we are all servants and we all have one common mantra; in that, no one is above, nor is anyone to the right or left, and for all of us, for me as well as for you, which is that mantra - "Nagrik Devo Bhava" (The Citizen is God). We have to work with the mantra of "Nagrik Devo Bhava"; you also keep doing so. Once again, this new spring that has come into your life, this new era of life is beginning, and it is through you that a developed India is going to be built in 2047. Many best wishes to you from my side. Thank you very much.